Friends' Junior School - Infants and Nursery

Children make the transition to the Infant Department in the academic year in which they become five. Click here to find out more about how to obtain a place.

Each class has its own form teacher and classroom assistant. From the Reception Form onwards emphasis is placed on a thorough understanding of the basic skills in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

In Years 1 and 2 your child will continue to develop and learn in a more formal setting. There is an emphasis on literacy, numeracy and science without detracting from pupils' access to the wider curriculum, and without losing the essential spontaneity of infant classrooms. Key Stage One curriculum tests are taken at the end of Year 2.

Children are welcome to join the Nursery in the term they become three years of age. Your child will enjoy a safe, happy and caring environment. We believe that learning through play is as important as formal education at this early stage and our goal is to create a well-balanced day where your child will learn both social and academic skills.

Your child will enjoy a variety of activities taught through structured play, developing language, mathematical, physical, social, emotional and moral awareness. Taught by qualified teachers, N.N.E.B. trained staff with experienced assistants; the children experience a happy, friendly learning environment. Your child will also benefit from music lessons with our excellent director of Music, who also helps with Nursery productions each term.

The Nursery joins with other classes in the Junior School for many assemblies and enjoys the use of the extensive grounds and facilities that the school offers.

The Nursery is open between 8.00am and 5.45pm. There are two sessions a day and a lunch session. Parents can select a programme to suit their personal circumstances in consultation with the School. We prefer children to attend for a minimum of two mornings a week in Lower Nursery, rising to three mornings in Upper Nursery to ensure they receive a balanced educational programme and are well prepared for the transition into Reception.

Lunch is available either following a morning session, or before an afternoon session. A hot, well-balanced, age appropriate meal is provided in the School Dining Room from 11.45am to 1.10pm.

You can drop your child off from 8.00 am onwards. Children in the Early Years can be taken to the Early Years block where they will be looked after by one of our Teaching Assistants until the start of the school day, at 8.30 am.

At the end of the school day children may have a drink and a sandwich at 3.30 pm if they are staying for after school supervision. Clubs and Activities begin at 3.45 pm. This includes a wide range of popular activites for Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and Mini Club for children in Nursery, Reception and Years 1 and 2. For those who would prefer their children to stay at school to do their homeowrk, there is provision for this.

Activities and Homework Club run from 3.45 to 4.45 pm. At 4.45 pm there is a Late Stay Child Care provision, which runs until 5.45 pm, at no extra cost.

If you would like information about your child joining the Nursery please click here